Donald Rumsfeld

I’ve been thinking about Donald Rumsfeld and the calls from people that he resign.

My first instinct was to think that this was similar to General George Patton slapping the soldier who would not fight. That slap got Patton sidelined (for a time) from WWII as punishment just at a time when his field generalship was needed most. Sidelining Patton hurt the Allied cause and probably cost some soldiers their lives but the gods of political correctness had to be appeased and Patton was punished.

I know that the analogy does not work because Patton brought things on himself via his own actions while Rumsfeld is being blamed for the actions of the guards at the Iraqi prison. I guess it is the end result that sticks in my mind. Benching Patton was a mistake in hindsight and I think benching Rumsfeld would be a similar mistake. Ask yourself – what good can come out of having Rumsfeld step down? Does it help the war cause in either Iraq or Afghanistan? Does it hinder the streamlining process that is going on at the Pentagon? Does it punish those who actual did the misdeeds at the Iraqi prison?

Trying to punish Rumsfeld only serves those who wish to damage President Bush politically and those who blame America first whenever anything happens (these are the same people who were more concerned with “why do they hate us” than acting to prevent any further terrorist actions after 9/11).

Upon further reflection – I think the proper analogy would be with another general – General George C. Marshall who was author of the Marshall plan and the man who handpicked Dwight Eisenhower to be the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. Senator “Tail-gunner” Joe McCarthy attacked Marshall after the war while Marshall was Secretary of Defense (just like Rumsfeld). The attack was based upon the allegation that Marshall was soft on communism.

Dwight Eisenhower kept silent when McCarthy attacked Marshall and that has proved to be probably the most shameful action of Eisenhower’s career. Similarly, Senator Kerry has now joined the chorus of those calling for Rumsfeld to resign – even though he must know that the whole thing is politically motivated. I would say that this could be the most shameful act in Kerry’s political career but there are so many to choose from.